We are working with our Partners to refine and develop these Research Programs for Round 24.

Research Program 1:
Materials and design – to reduce products’ environmental impact

This program will develop plastic compositions that are more easily recycled or composted, and product designs which eliminate their unnecessary use, enable their reuse, avoid problematic plastics and material complexity, and increase recycled content.

  • Indicative Key Outputs: Bio-sourced compostable plastics and products. Products designed for circularity.
  • Indicative Key Outcomes: Products with longer lifetimes and higher recycling rates.

Research Program 2: 
Maximising the recovery and value of end-of-life plastics

This program will increase the recovery, sorting and recycling of plastics, maximising the value of the recyclates and expanding the markets for products that contain them, and enhance technologies for energy recovery from plastic waste.

  • Indicative Key Outputs: Improved practices and technologies for the recovery, recycling and conversion of plastics to energy.
  • Indicative Key Outcomes: Greater community support for recycling. A recovery and recycling system for plastics that maximises their value.

Research Program 3:
Implementing a circular economy for plastics in Australia

This program will determine the requirements for a viable circular economy for plastics and specific plastic products, informed by assessments of overseas initiatives, and ensuring financial viability of the companies that: collect and sort, recycle plastics, and manufacture recycled products.

  • Indicative Key Outputs: Independent evidence-based advice on how to implement these circular economic systems.
  • Indicative Key Outcomes: Well-informed policy, regulation and legislation decisions. A vibrant circular economy for plastics, including soft plastics and plastic used in hospitals and agriculture..

Research Program 4:
Mitigating the risk of microplastics in agricultural soils

This program will determine the extent of microplastic contamination in soils of concern, assess the risk they pose to the food chain and humans, and develop technologies to mitigate these risks.

  • Indicative Key Outputs: New technologies to rapidly measure on site the extent of microplastic contamination, understanding the scale of the problem and the associated risks, and technologies to remove these contaminants.
  • Indicative Key Outcomes: Evidence-based advice to governments, industry and the public on microplastic contamination.

Education + Training Program

The CRC’s education and training program complements all four research programs through increased engagement, development of new technology, preparation of skilled employees and enhanced research and development capacity within industry entities.

  • Access to a Pilot Plant Platform for training and early-stage commercialisation
  • National and International Meetings for facilitating sharing of best practices and technology diffusion
  • Conferences and Showcases for new technologies and developments
  • A PhD and Postdoctoral Fellows’ Program
  • Postgraduate and graduate degree courses
  • Micro credentials and Continuing Professional Development programs
  • Vocational and Graduate Certificate programs
  • School level programs to attract talent in the circular plastics economy
  • Urban, Remote, Rural and Indigenous community education tools and workshops